Embedded Files
Parents may now complete the signup process using the following link
Speech and Debate is a competitive activity that provides students the ability to compete in different areas of competitive acting, competitive debate, and competitive speaking.
As a member of the Speech and Debate team, you would become a part of an organization like no other and a part of Beavercreek High School's legacy. Our team has had an extraordinary history of success at the state and national levels. We have big aspirations to grow our team into one of the best and biggest in the state but trophies aside, our alumni will tell you that the best part about Speech and Debate is the lifelong friendships and memories that you make during your time on the team.
This page is for parents and students visiting us for the very first time. If you like what you read and want even more details, see our About Us pages and links!
FALL 2025 Information
FALL 2025 Information
New Informational and Parent Meetings
We ask all new students to join us for an informational session. We also ask parents to join a parent information session. Returning students do not need to attend, but are welcome to come by to either say hi or bring their friends to see what our team is about. If you absolutely cannot make these meetings but are still very interested in the team, please email coach Guha.
Student Meeting
Monday, September 8th 2025 - Informational Meeting in BHS Room 0128 (basement) after school until 6:00 pm for interested students.
Parent/Guardian Meeting
Monday, September 15th 2025 - BHS Room 0128 6:00pm - 7:45 pm
Each family new to speech and debate must send one person to the parent/guardian informational session.
Meetings & Practices Start
September 15th 2025 - First Monday Meeting & Start of regular practice schedules for new and returning students for Speech events (Declamation, Dramatic Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking, Informative Speaking, Original Oratory, Program Oral Interpretation).
September 22nd 2025 - First Monday Meeting & Start of regular practice schedules for new and returning students for Public Forum Debate.
October 6th 2025 - Sign Up Forms Due date
October 27th 2025 - Fees due for all members
Important Dates
October 25th 2025 - First tournament of the year, Novice "Tourna-shop" hosted at Mason HS, FIRST YEAR COMPETITORS ONLY, Returners Staff the tournament
November 1st 2025 - First tournament - Perry HS, VARSITY ONLY
November 8th 2025 - First ALL TEAM (Novice + Varsity) tournament - Princeton HS
November...... - More tournaments nearly weekly until the end of the season in March...See Our Season for more
FAQ
FAQ
What's Speech?
Speech events involve off-the-cuff speaking about current events, delivering your own speech (you pick the topic), delivering someone else's speech, or Acting events.
Acting?
We would love more theater and acting competitors who want more specific attention than sharing the stage with a large cast. Actors in Speech get to control their own full 10 minute immersive performance without props or costumes. You also get to pick and cut your own script from any published play or book you want!
Do you debate/speak on a big stage?
NO. Speech and debate events compete just 6 people at a time or against 1 other debater at a time with a single judge. We compete in classrooms with parents/coaches from other schools as judges.
Can I do Speech and Debate and Marching Band?
Speech and tournaments start basically right as Marching Band competitions end, but Marching Band in September and October take up what would be our "pre-season" (think trying to do MB without 2-days or band camp!) so MB students have fewer event options.
Students in MB may join the team but are restricted to choosing US Extemp, International Extemp, or Declamation in their first year. They may also choose Public Forum Debate provided they coordinate schedules with the coach.
Can I do Speech and Debate and Sports/Academic Team/Science Bowl/Guard/Other Activities?
Our minimum requirement is you attend Monday meetings after school until 6pm and then come practice 30 minutes to 1 hour with a coach or varsity captain during the week from September through February. Our main tournaments during the competitive season are held on Saturdays from November through March; you do not need to attend every tournament. Some sports and club activities are too intensive for students to balance even if they could technically work.
Academic Team, Winter Guard, Show Choir, and club/travel sports have been difficult for students to balance with our requirements, though some enterprising students have made it work.
When do you practice/meet?
Mandatory Monday meetings from after school to 6:00pm (parents should expect to pick up their students from the Commons door at 6:15pm as we will work until 6:00pm.)
Speech events are Individual events, students find a time slot throughout the week with a coach/varsity leader. There is also a considerable amount of work expected to be done at home on your own time to be ready for check in sessions with coaches/captains.
Debate practices as a team. Days will be based on the availability of the majority of the debate team.
Practices - reiterates this and goes over coaching availabilities through the week.
Do you have to compete?
Technically, No. You never have to sign up for a tournament. But, we currently do not offer any "Club" division on our team. All students who join the team are charged the same amount. If coaches are very busy and have lots of people signing up to practice, students who are regularly competing will get priority.
Can I join as a senior?
To be frank, joining as a first year senior is difficult. We recommend first year juniors or seniors do Debate or either of the Extemporaneous Speaking categories. The other categories of events, Oratory, Acting, and Informative can take a year to see a "pattern" of norms in those events so they would be difficult to get your time's worth in a single season.
Do I need my own laptop?
See below for the cost of the team, we understand money and resources should never be a reason not to join the team. Extemp and Debate do require laptops at tournaments. The BCS Chromebooks are adequate but underpowered. Students will likely be less frustrated if they have their own laptop (and likely more than even a personal Chromebook) but it is not required equipment to join or participate in any particular event.
How much does it cost?
The activity fee is $250-$300. Additional charges for hotel tournaments will apply. Cost details here. Money should never be a reason not to participate in this activity. Alumni families have committed to covering costs for families who need a fee waiver. Please contact Coach Guha for details.
Page updated
Report abuse